Mendu is highlighted in the Energy Industry Sector for her work creating HARVEST, a “bio-inspired energy device that uses solar and wind power to capture energy in the form of wind, rain and sun — and converts it to power,” according to the school district.

The young scientist was inspired to create the device after experiencing power outages during a family visit to India. She is currently working to commercialize her device.

“I wanted to help mitigate the global energy crisis by creating a device utilizing piezoelectricity materials that are both eco-friendly and cost efficient,” Mendu told members of the Warren County school district’s board of education when she explained her project after winning the 2016 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge.